We're Generation Ready

More than 150 years have taught us a lot about what it means to be well in mind, body, and spirit. We serve as a reservoir of vital services that support people through difficult times and provide a variety of health care and

living options for senior adults. With the depth and breadth of services offered, we stand ready to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

“George” was admitted to the Genacross Lutheran Services-Sandusky Campus after a short hospital stay related to a chronic breathing problem. He hoped to receive therapy and return home. After his rehabilitation was completed, and he was physically and medically stable, George found out that he did not have any place to call home. The Life Enrichment Coordinator assisted him with making sure that insurance would cover his continued stay until safe discharge plans were put in place. She also helped George apply for the HOME Choice Program. This program would help him find an apartment and obtain needed furnishings and personal items.

George’s HOME Choice caseworker turned out to be another Genacross employee, who also works as the Service Coordinator at Luther Oaks senior apartment community in Norwalk, Ohio. The Genacross team worked together to make his transition back into the community a smooth, safe one. George will be going home to a new apartment with the personal items, furnishings, and home health services that he needs to successfully move from a nursing home setting to community living. “My stay at the Sandusky Campus was good, including the physical and occupational therapy, the doctors, nurses, and aides,” George explained. He is very grateful for all the support he received from the Genacross family.

The Genacross Lutheran Services-Napoleon Campus received a call from a family in a panic over the care of their parents. “Ruth” and “Jim” have been married for more than 55 years and have not been apart in the last 15. During much of that time, Jim was Ruth’s primary caregiver. One day, when family members stopped in to check on them, Jim was not acting right. His speech was slurred, and he did not really respond to questions. The daughter called for an ambulance, and both parents were taken to the hospital. Jim was sent to a Toledo hospital for further evaluation, and the family had to decide quickly how best to care for their mother. After many tears in the emergency room, the family decided to separate their parents. Napoleon staff worked quickly to accommodate Ruth’s emergency admission, knowing that it was going to be difficult for the family. Chaplain Genter supported Ruth with prayer and comfort. Jim was monitored at the hospital and was then referred to the Napoleon Campus for rehabilitation.

Initially, staff wanted to separate the couple so that Jim could focus on regaining his strength; however, he insisted on sharing a room with Ruth. In the beginning, it was a bit difficult because Jim tried to care for his wife. After staff explained that they were there to help, Jim began focusing on getting well and allowed others to care for Ruth. Jim continues to receive therapy services with the goal of returning home with his wife, and he is making great progress. The family is unsure if going home is the best choice, but staff has explained that it is important to allow their parents to try to reach that goal. If Jim and Ruth are able to return home, a home visit will be set up before discharge so everyone will know what to expect. The children expressed gratitude for the staff’s care and commitment in working toward their parents’ wishes.